Prevent

One Conversation Can Change Everything.

Overdose doesn't always look like addiction. It looks like a kid trying something new or a friend who didn't know the pill was fake. We normalize Naloxone, lockboxes, and honest conversations because keeping quiet about it doesn't work. Naloxone belongs in homes, schools and bags like EpiPens and other first aid items do.

"A parent/caregiver gave it to me for free"

The most commonly reported source of prescription drugs by students who reported prescription drug use on the 2025 PAYS survey in Dauphin County.

The Data Is Clear.
Action Is Needed.

These numbers show why prevention, education, and safety measures cannot wait.

"88.4% of students in Dauphin County reported that 'people are at moderate or great risk of harming themselves (physically or in other ways) if they use prescription drugs that are not prescribed to them,'"

Young people understand that misuse is dangerous. What they don't always know is what they're actually taking. Fake or laced pills are common, and many don't realize how easily this can happen to them or to someone they care about.

"The [second] most frequently misused prescription drugs are prescription pain relievers."

This is preventable. If pain relievers are prescribed to a child, they should be locked up, monitored, and administered by an adult. Ordering a lockbox is a simple step that can prevent misuse, diversion, and tragedy.

"17.7% of students who reported high depressive symptoms reported lifetime marijuana use"

Mental health matters. When young people are struggling, they need support, not substances that may increase risk. Marijuana can also be laced, adding another layer of danger that many families don't expect.

"6th: 2.2%, 8th: 5.2%, 10th: 9.3%, 12th: 9.3% Students who reported that they were offered alcohol/tobacco/drugs at school"

Exposure is happening earlier and more often. Schools prepare for emergencies with with AEDs and EpiPens. Having naloxone available should be no different. It's about being ready to save a life.

Drug Facts You Need to Know

Fentanyl and other substances are increasingly found in marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and more, often without the person using them knowing. This makes overdose risk unpredictable and far more dangerous. That's why having Naloxone on hand is crucial. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Fentanyl remains one of the most potent and deadly illicit drugs, and xylazine, also know as "tranq" or "tranq dope", is becoming more commonly found in substances.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
It is tasteless, odorless, and cannot be seen when mixed into other drugs.
Two milligrams can be a lethal dose. That is roughly the size of a few grains of salt.
The signs of fentanyl overdose include:
- small constricted "pinpoint" pupils
- loss of consciousness, or limp body
- slow, weak, or no breathing OR gurgling or snoring sounds
- cold, clammy, or discolored skin OR lips and nails turning blue or pale

What is Medetomidine?

Medetomidine is an animal sedative that is similar to xylazine, but much more potent. It has contaminated the illicit drug supply and puts individuals at an increased risk for overdose.
Medetomidine withdrawal can begin quickly and is frequently more severe than withdrawal from opioids and xylazine. Individuals may need to seek emergency care.
Medetomidine is tasteless, odorless, and cannot been seen with mixed with other substances.
Signs of a medetomidine overdose include:
- extreme drowsiness, lethargy, or loss of consciousness
- slowed heart rate or weak pulse
- slowed, shallow, or stopped breathing
- constricted pupils
Naloxone will NOT reverse the effects of a Medetomidine overdose. However, Naloxone should be administered in all circumstances of suspected overdose.

What is Xylazine?

Xylazine is potent animal tranquilizer that is not approved for human use. It has increasingly contaminated illicit drug supply.
In its pure form, xylazine generally has no distinct or characteristic smell, taste, or color.
It is not approved for human use in any form, and no amount is considered safe.
The signs of xylazine overdose include:
- extreme drowsiness, lethargy, or loss of consciousness
- slowed, shallow, or stopped breathing
- constricted pupils
- low body temperature
- dry mouth
Naloxone will NOT reverse the effects of a Xylazine overdose. However, Naloxone should be administered in all circumstances of suspected overdose.

What is Kratom?

Kratom products are created from the leaves of tropical Kratom trees, which are native to Southeast Asia.
Kratom can produce both stimulant effects and opioid-like effects depending on the dose.
The Federal Food and Drug Administration has NOT approved, at this time, any kratom products that are safe for human use.
Kratom's effects on the body include:
- Psychosis
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Increased Heart Rate
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Physical and Psychological Dependence

REQUEST FREE NALOXONE & LOCKBOXES

Dauphin County is a Recognized Entity through the Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program, POPP, to distribute Naloxone and Testing Strips to residents and organizations that serve Dauphin County.

Date

Zip Code

Email

Please Select Which Supplies You Are Requesting

4 mg Intranasal Naloxone
8 mg Intranasal Naloxone
Fentanyl Test Strips *Agreement Required*
Xylazine Test Strips *Agreement Required*
Wound Care Kits
Medication Lockbox

Write the amount of each supply that you are requesting:

Have You Heard of the Good Samaritan Law?

Calling 911 or administering naloxone during an overdose provides legal protection from some controlled substance violations. To receive this protection, you must stay with the person until help arrives and cooperate with law enforcement.

Good Samaritan Law

Public Health-Focused Prevention Efforts

The Dauphin County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services provides prevention services designed to reduce substance use and related harms through education, outreach, and early intervention. These efforts focus on increasing awareness, strengthening protective factors, and supporting individuals, families, and communities with accurate information and practical tools.

Explore our prevention programs

Talk Early. Talk Often.
Communication Is Prevention.

Open, ongoing conversations play a key role in prevention. Talk with your children about making safe choices, including not taking drugs or unknown substances, and what to do if they or someone else experience a potential overdose. Share your expectations around substance use in a way that supports honesty, safety, and trust.